BRIDGEPORT — Several local residents could use a little support as the winter months push onward and generous neighbors have the perfect opportunity to help those in need through the Giving Fund.

For the 10th consecutive year, the Connecticut Post partnered with United Way, a nonprofit organization focused on charitable fundraising and support, to provide stories of people in the community who need financial help to help them get through the holidays and the winter months.

Donations are made to The Giving Fund, a philanthropic partnership between United Way, LifeBridge of Bridgeport and the Post. Online donations can be made at https://bit.ly/2UWVaFx.

All cases for this season can be found at www.ctpost.com/givingfund. Names have been changed to protect the privacy of those asking for help.

Over seven weeks, a total of $29,220 was asked for in the Connecticut Post cases. The following cases are from week five and were initially published in the paper on Dec. 20, 2018.

WEEK FIVE

Rena — Case 041

Rena needs to catch up on her kids’ tuition costs. She and her husband have 4-year-old twins enrolled in preschool. Rena was recently laid off and they’re now behind on tuition payments. A gift of $400 would help them catch up.

Bill — Case 042

Bill needs to keep his family warm. He lost his job and had to move into a shelter in Bridgeport with his girlfriend and his child. He’s actively searching for work while trying to figure out how to replace the items they left behind. A gift of $500 would help him buy winter clothes for his family.

Macy — Case 044

Macy has some financial burdens. She recently took on the responsibility of raising her 3-year-old grandson, which has proven to be a difficult transition. A gift of $500 would help her get back on her feet after taking on this huge responsibility.

Katie — Case 046

Katie needs a rocking chair. The 93-year-old woman is living independently after spending several years in a nursing home. Some days her age wears on her and needs a place to relax. A gift of $450 would help Katie buy a rocking chair, cushion and throw blanket on days when she isn’t felling well.

Dory — Case 047

Dory’s car needs repairing. The 21-year-old mother of two works part-time at a factory, but her car is in dire need of some fixing so she can get to work and drop her kids off at day care. A gift of $500 would help cover her car repairs.

Sam — Case 048

Sam needs a new computer. The 16-year-old’s current computer keeps crashing, but his mom isn’t able to afford a new one as a single mother with five children. A gift of $375 would help Sam buy a new computer.

Jennie — Case 049

Jennie needs to get to work. The single mother of two attends night school and recently started a new job, but is struggling to figure out how to afford transportation. A gift of $420 would cover the cost of six monthly bus passes to help Jennie get to her job.

Ryan — Case 050

Ryan’s car needs maintenance. He’s an elderly man living in Bridgeport and suffering from various health problems. His health problems require continuous care, making it hard to cover the costs of rent and basic necessities, let along car repairs. A gift of $500 would help Ryan keep up on necessary car repairs.